New Delhi, 11 November 2025: Delhi’s air quality entered the ‘Severe’ category on Tuesday after the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 425, triggering the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to enforce Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region.
The spike follows Monday’s AQI level of 362 and is attributed to calm winds, low dispersion, and stagnant atmospheric conditions that prevented pollutants from dispersing.
Stage III Restrictions Enforced Across NCR
The Sub-Committee for GRAP held an urgent meeting after reviewing forecast data from IMD and IITM. Based on the models and real-time monitoring, authorities concluded that pollution levels could escalate further if decisive action was not taken.
Stage III comes into effect immediately and will operate along with Stage I and Stage II measures already in place. All agencies in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have been instructed to intensify enforcement on construction activity, vehicle emissions, and dust control.
Residents have been urged to follow the Stage III Citizen Charter, which includes limiting outdoor exposure and minimising personal vehicle use.
New Clarification on Entry of Diesel LCVs
Alongside the Stage III order, CAQM issued a clarification addressing confusion over diesel Light Commercial Vehicles entering Delhi.
Key points include:
• BS-III diesel LCVs from outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter, except when carrying essential commodities or performing essential services.
• BS-III and below diesel LCVs remain completely barred from entering the city.
• BS-IV commercial goods vehicles are allowed only until 31 October 2026, based on earlier CAQM directions.
The clarification replaces an earlier interpretation that allowed BS-III diesel LCVs carrying essential goods. The new order closes that gap.
Weather Conditions Worsen Air Quality
Officials noted that extremely low mixing height and wind speed created conditions for rapid pollutant accumulation. Forecast models indicate that similar conditions may persist in the next 48 hours.
The Sub-Committee stated that invoking Stage III was essential to prevent air quality from slipping into the ‘Severe+’ range, which would trigger the harshest level of restrictions.
Enforcement Expected to Intensify
Under Stage III, NCR agencies must:
• Stop all non-essential construction and demolition activities
• Strengthen checks on vehicle emissions, especially diesel vehicles
• Expand mechanical road sweeping and water sprinkling
• Prevent open waste burning and industrial violations
• Enforce restrictions on older diesel goods carriers
Departments across NCR have been asked to monitor compliance closely and take immediate corrective action wherever violations are found.
Next Steps
CAQM will continue to track AQI trends and meteorological updates. If pollution continues to rise, officials may consider invoking Stage IV, which includes a near-total ban on truck entry and major industrial operations.
For now, the capital remains under Stage III emergency measures as authorities attempt to contain the ongoing pollution surge.